Happy Thursday! We are just one day away from the weekend, and as we move closer to a new lunar cycle, the moon is losing its illumination from the sun, slowly decreasing to 0% illumination on the new moon next week.

Currently, we’re in the middle of the waning crescent moon phase—the last phase of the lunar cycle. Occurring just before the new moon, this phase lasts for about a week. Right now, the moon appears like a sliver of light in the sky before it seemingly “disappears” from our view on the new moon.

The moon is currently 25 days old and has only 21% illumination from the sun. Here’s everything you should know about the current moon phase, including its symbolism and astrological impact.

Today’s Moon Phase: October 16, 2025

Today’s moon phase is a waning crescent moon at 21% illumination, situated in the zodiac sign of Leo but moving into Virgo later this evening. The current moon is about 25 days old and just over 20% illuminated by the sun. For reference, yesterday’s illumination was 30% while tomorrow’s will be below 15%. We’re mere days away from the new moon and a new lunar cycle. 

What Is the Waning Crescent Moon Phase?

The waning crescent moon phase is the last phase of the lunar cycle. During this phase, which occurs just before the new moon at 0% illumination, the moon seemingly “shrinks” in size from our view here on Earth. That’s because the sun’s light slowly decreases on the moon’s surface, highlighting a smaller portion of the celestial body each night. 

According to NASA, during the waning crescent moon, “the moon is nearly back to the point in its orbit where its dayside directly faces the sun, and all that we see from our perspective is a thin curve.”

Waning Crescent Moon in Leo and Virgo

Today’s waning crescent moon is still in the fire sign of Leo—a zodiac sign known for its creativity and leadership. However, this evening, it will move into the Earth sign of Virgo, a practical, grounded, and detail-oriented sign.

According to AstroSeek, when the moon enters Leo, you might crave more external validation, admiration, and praise.

However, as Astroseek reports, “When you get into the spotlight, you may find yourself at a loss. Maybe you should admit your fear of criticism and your inability to accept criticism. It is very important to accept feedback and use it for improvement.”

Once the moon shifts into Virgo later in the day, “Your feeling of safety is now related to order and clarity, even in emotions. You may have the need to organize everything chaotic and disorganized.”

This is a massive shift in energy, so don’t be surprised if you’re feeling depleted by the end of today.

Waning Crescent Moon Symbolism

Many ancient cultures and spiritual practices admire and worship the moon as a symbol of life’s natural cycles. Some even gather with their community during the full moon, seeing it as a time of abundance and celebration.

The waning crescent moon holds its own deep spiritual symbolism, too. This particular phase—the last of the cycle—marks a period of reflection, rest, and completion. As the moon slowly loses its light, you might find yourself isolating and winding down right along with the lunar cycle. 

This is the perfect time to plan ahead for the next cycle and consider any changes you’d like to make going forward. However, it’s not the ideal time to act on anything. Meditate, relax, and rest up for the new moon next week.

Happy Thursday! 

We are almost at the end of the week, and one day closer to the new moon and partial solar eclipse on September 21. As we remain in the waning crescent moon phase, the last of the lunar cycle, we are asked to carefully tie up any loose ends and express gratitude for the blessings we have experienced over the past month or so.

Today, the moon is at 10 percent illumination, meaning only 10 percent of it is highlighted by the sun’s light. It’s also situated in the astrological sign of Leo, a passionate, confident, and fiery sign.

Here’s everything you should know about the current moon phase, including its symbolism and astrological impact.

Current Moon Phase: September 18, 2025

Today’s moon phase is the waning crescent with 10 percent illumination in the astrological sign of Leo. 

According to Moongiant, “On September 18, the moon is 26.48 days old. This refers to how many days it has been since the last new moon. It takes 29.53 days for the moon to orbit the Earth and go through the lunar cycle of all 8 moon phases.”

Right now, we are just four days away from the new moon and a new lunar cycle.

What Is the Waning Crescent Moon Phase?

The waning crescent moon is the eighth and last phase of the lunar cycle, when the moon goes from 50 percent to 0 percent illumination from the sun. It occurs between the third quarter moon phase and the new moon phase, typically lasting for about seven days.

According to NASA, during the waning crescent moon phase, “The moon is nearly back to the point in its orbit where its dayside directly faces the Sun, and all that we see from our perspective is a thin curve.”

“Waning” refers to the moon’s tendency to “shrink” in appearance during this phase, while “crescent” refers to the moon’s curved shape.

Waning Crescent Moon in Leo

As mentioned earlier, this current crescent moon is situated in the fire sign of Leo until tomorrow.

According to Astrology Zodiac Signs, “There is a specific strength to a Leo and their ‘king of the jungle’ status. Leo often has many friends, for they are generous and loyal. Self-confident and attractive, this is a sun sign capable of uniting different groups of people and leading them as one towards a shared cause, and their healthy sense of humor makes collaboration with other people even easier.”

When the moon moves into Leo, these traits often become heightened, especially since the moon is said to govern our emotions and internal worlds.

According to AstroSeek, during this time, “You feel safe in moments when you can impress others and get praise and admiration. Yet, when you get into the spotlight, you may find yourself at a loss. Maybe you should admit your fear of criticism and your inability to accept criticism. It is very important to accept feedback and use it for improvement.”

Waning Crescent Symbolism

The moon is a powerful symbol to many cultures and religions, often representing divine guidance. It’s a reminder of life’s natural rhythms and cycles. 

Of course, each phase of the moon holds its own symbolism. The waning crescent moon in particular signifies a time for release and restoration. 

During this phase, allow yourself to relax and recharge. Surrender your control and focus on healing rather than trying to force an outcome or resist change. Trust that what is meant for you will never pass you by. Now is not the time to act; it’s the time to rest.